The musical talent in Fermanagh was clear to be seen at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (All Ireland Fleadh) held in Mullingar last week, as talented local musicians and performers took home top accolades.
For the second consecutive year, the All Ireland competitions were held in the historic, cultural and very musical town of Mullingar.
The town was home to the first ever All-Ireland Fleadh in 1951, and hosted it again in 1963, 2022 and 2023.
5,000 competitors
Running from August 6 to 14, over the nine days the streets were overflowing with Irish music, dance and culture once more as more than 5,000 competitors from all across the island of Ireland, and overseas played, sung or danced for Comhaltas All Ireland titles.
From storytelling to concertina, sets to lilting, victors of regional competitions travelled from far and wide to compete in one or more of the 230 competitions.
Aodhan O'Donnell, Roslea CCÉ, Third Place 12-15 Button Accordion.
The competitions play a central role in the Fleadh and title holders are highly regarded in the Traditional Irish music community.
A spokeswoman for Fermanagh Comhaltas (CCÉ) said: “We had representatives in 17 competitions, who all did our county very proud.
“The standard of music is exceptionally high at this level and to get this far is an amazing achievement.”
She continued: “We are so delighted to bring home gold with Ciara, Olivia and Aodhan O’Donnell (Roslea CCÉ) taking First Place in 12-15 Trio, with Aodhan also getting Third in 12-15 Button Accordion.
Ryan Maguire, Roslea CCÉ, First Place, Senior Céilí Band with Pipers Cross céilí band.
“Ryan Maguire (Roslea CCÉ) also took home a gold medal with the winning Senior Ceili Band, Pipers Cross from Co. Mayo.
“Singer Damien Mac Cionaith (Derrylin CCÉ) got second in Men’s English Singing (Over-18),” added the spokeswoman.
Damien McKenna, Derrylin CCÉ, Second Place, Over-18 Men's English Singing.
As well as competitions, local musicians Gerry McMahon, Paddy Treacy and Bláithín Ní Mhaonaile all took to the stage at the Fleadh Gig Rig and entertained thousands alongside some of the best musicians in the country.
Traditional music is going from strength to strength in Fermanagh and with local branches preparing to recommence classes again in September, check out the Fermanagh CCÉ Facebook page for further details.
Roslea Comhaltas
Registration for this year's traditional music and singing classes (children and adults) will take place Tues, September 5 from 7pm to 8.30pm in Roslea Community Centre. Classes to recommence Tuesday, September 19 (September 20 for adults). New and existing members welcome from P3 upwards. Expressions of interest will be taken and classes will run subject to demand for the following instruments, tin whistle, flute, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, accordion (button and piano), concertina, harp, piano and Trad singing. Limited availability of instruments for hire.
Ceili Dancing Classes will recommence on Wednesday, September 13, from 8.30pm to 10.30pm in Roslea Community Centre, with tutor Bernard Geoghan. Existing and new members most welcome.
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